IMHO, this is one of the best, most accurate short articles describing the virtues of the xB that I've read (and I've read many, about 25, and many are terrible):

The Associated Press
Published Sunday, June 6, 2004
by Ann M. Job

Scion xB Features Unusual Styling and Room

Reprinted by SaukValley.com
http://www.saukvalley.com/280679372255898.bsp 8)

I took delivery of my 2005 TCM AT xB on Saturday, 6/5/04. :D

I saw this the other day. It is a nice write-up. The part that I felt she knocked (the power, of course) was contradicted in her own statement:

There's only one engine for the xB: A 108-horsepower, 1.5-liter, double overhead cam powerplant that is also used in the Scion xA hatchback as well as the Toyota Echo sedan.

But the 2,450-pound xB tester was heavier than the xA and Echo, so it's now wonder the engine sounded and felt taxed at times, such as when I was passing other cars on a hilly highway ascent.

How do you think those other cars were feeling? She's PASSING UPHILL! If that's not a time for the engine to be working, what does she expect???

I wish she'd list the cars she passed on that hill. 8)

...passing other cars on a hilly highway ascent.

:lol: Funny :lol:

:P Good point :P

Good write up overall.

The part that I felt he knocked (the power, of course) was contradicted in his own statement:

How do you think theose other cars were feeling? He PASSING UPHILL! If that's not a time for the engine to be working, what does he expect???

I wish he'd list the cars he passed on that hill. 8)

Oops. "He" is a "She" :shock:

I googled "Ann M. Job" (the author of the article) and found:

Ann M. Job, became the first female automotive writer for The Associated Press. 8)

Well, that explains why most of the technicals seem canned and the actual "hands-on review" is sketchy :twisted: :twisted: At least she didn't hit anything... (that we know of)

I liked that little article. She hit the main points and didnt exaggerate. Many positives and a few negatives.

The 2004 PT Cruiser is another stylized wagon and has a starting price of $18,080. But it has attracted older buyers such as Baby Boomers.

Meantime, Scion xB buyers, when adjusted for the fact that many co-signers on the vehicle are parents, are in their early 30s, said Jim Farley, vice president for Scion.

love that quote